School Re-union 2000
The gathering at School on July 14th to mark our 75th Anniversary proved to be a very successful occasion. Blessed with good weather, a rare treat in what passes for an English summer, a creditable turnout, a fine buffet and re-unions galore, we had a splendid day. Small groups took a tour around the School with members of the Sixth Form and by the end of the day they must have heard the complete history of the School and it's characters. We laid out all the Sulian Magazines, school photos and artefacts we could find in tandem with many pictures of the School's present activities and even then, some brought their own. Many travelled great distances for the day and all seemed to find something to rekindle the memories. The President, Tony Bowrey, presented the Headmaster with a cheque for £560 from the Association to provide new Art Tables for a refurbished class room, and a picture appeared in 'The Chronicle'. And talking of the 'Chronicle', they did us proud by printing a series of old pictures that we provided in their 'Memory Lane' feature at the beginning of July. As a result I received dozens of calls both before the day and since, from all over. In many cases local relatives had sent the pictures of 'Froggy', 'Danno', 'Doughy' et al, to those who had moved away. In view of our presentation it was coincidental that I was contacted by Mrs Oldridge, the daughter of Mr Whittaker the former Art Master, who lent some photos, and also that Peter Barratt, son of Bob Barratt, Mr Whittaker's successor, came down from Edinburgh for the event. We now have a number of new members and promises to come for the dinner in October, news of which is elsewhere. So, all told, a great day. Our thanks must go to the Headmaster who greatly supported our invasion and to Glen Avery, a young Maths Master at School, who volunteered to organise their end. He was getting married 2 weeks later and obviously didn't have too much on his mind! I should also mention Helen Bletso, the Head's Secretary, who dealt with all my e-mails and queries in admirable fashion. Finally, I am very grateful to those Sulians who helped out, particularly Alan Blake who had rehearsed some of it last year with the 49'ers reunion. A number of people asked when we were going to do it again. It might be too long to wait until we are 100 years old!. For those of you on 'the Web' there will be pictures posted of the day, and those that were in the Chronical. Other News. The Association Golf at Sham Castle on June 9th attracted some more new faces, and the essential results were: Morning - Steve Ford; Afternoon - John Larcombe; Old 'Tossers' Tankard - B A G Weston. The Approach Golf on July 5th suffered from the weather but resulted in a win for Mike Wood, with Peter Beach, Roger Wood and Rich Wood close runners up. Derek Smith also played! The Walking Rally or to give it it's proper title, the Second Presidential Perambulation on August 10th, masterminded by Sue Trude with the President in mind (!), and which involved navigating your way around the City passing by (!) numerous hostelries, found small groups of confused Sulians' wandering hither and 'yon in a quest for 'Celestial Rabbits' and bits of Bath that even seasoned residents had never noticed. An exceptional turnout of over 40 and another weather window, made for a very enjoyable evening. The Victors were led by 'ex-pats' Janet and Den Lambern, down from the wilds of British West Sidcup, especially for the occasion.
Outstanding Events for 2000
Annual Dinner. October 27th at the Bath Waterside Hilton, which was formerly the Stakis Hotel in Widcombe, the venue of recent years. Black Tie or dark lounge suit. 7.30 for 8 o'clock Tickets are £25 this year and MUST be paid for in advance. A chitty is enclosed to return to Tony Bowrey. We have to pay for the number booked so you will appreciate that at this sort of price any no-shows eat great holes into Association funds and we only aim to make a modest return towards the years expenses. So please return them early and by the 14th October at the latest. Tony can now be found in retirement at : 17 Beech Avenue, Claverton Down, Bath, BA2 7BA Phone: 01225 463896 We already have a number of promises from members to attend. Even as I write, Geoff Yates (1950) is hitching a lift from Walumboola Base, (that dates me!) on a Flying Doctor Nomad to catch a returning convict ship from down under. Don Sly (1947) is hoping to get across the Atlantic one way or another, and a number of old boys who couldn't get to the reunion day are also aiming to come. We will be having a selection of speakers who will each have 5 minutes to cover their era. The time limits will be 'strictly' enforced by the President and should confuse those who run the 'book' on speech times. Our aim is 75 for the 75th so please make every effort.
Ladies Night November 24th , back to Friday this year and, as usual, at Bath Golf Club at Sham Castle, North Road. Tickets are £30 a pair from Tony Bowrey, and once again, you need to get your orders in early as we normally reach capacity. The price includes a flower for your lady, dinner and proper entertainment by a Big Band again after last years artistic relapse! There is only likely to be a modest speech by the President so there is nothing to put you off taking the opportunity to give your lady a night out amongst friends.
Annual General Meeting 2001 Well, at the time of writing I don't think that we have fixed the date. It is likely to be between the 21st and the 28th February, as readers of the rules will find it has to be before the last day of February. However, with luck, you will all receive a newsletter in January giving the relevant information and a run-down on the events listed above. Is it too early to wish you all a merry Christmas?
Roger Wood
September 2000.
For this edition of the newsletter Beechen Cliff School have provided the envelopes to go with their leaflet, and the labels are sponsored by Systemagic - Bath's PC Support and Web Design Specialists.